10 December 2025 - Top Stories

NSW has announced a $31.4 million expansion of its Hospital in the Home program, starting December 2025. The initiative will extend to Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn, and Queanbeyan, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and emergency visits for conditions such as cellulitis, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and urinary tract infections. Philips will supply wearable devices called Respiree, enabling real-time remote monitoring of vital signs including breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate. This expansion underscores a shift towards community-based care models that leverage remote monitoring, especially in regional areas, potentially transforming healthcare delivery across Australia.

Meanwhile, the Australian government’s approach to AI in healthcare remains cautious. The National AI Plan promotes AI adoption but lacks specific regulations, raising concerns about safety, data governance, and transparency. The Department of Health’s review, due in March 2025, is expected to clarify regulatory pathways. Industry groups like the Australasian Institute of Digital Health call for stronger guardrails to mitigate risks associated with AI, especially in patient care. This regulatory gap presents both challenges and opportunities for healthtech companies to lead responsible AI implementation.

In primary care, rural GPs continue to face significant challenges. A typical day involves managing diverse cases from fractures to mental health issues, often with limited specialist support and funding. The RACGP’s latest report highlights that 86% of GPs handle conditions usually treated by specialists, emphasising the critical need for better funding and workforce support in rural areas. Addressing these gaps is essential for maintaining quality care and workforce sustainability in regional Australia.

On the reform front, Tasmania has expanded pharmacists' prescribing rights, allowing them to assess and manage hormonal contraception, building on existing capabilities for urinary tract infections and medication resupply. The state also plans to enable cross-state prescriptions early in 2026, aiming to improve medication access and streamline pharmacy services. These reforms reflect a broader trend towards expanding scope of practice for pharmacists and enhancing medication access across jurisdictions.

• NSW expands hospital-at-home with remote vital sign monitoring.
• Australia’s AI regulation remains underdeveloped, prompting calls for stronger guardrails.
• Rural GPs highlight ongoing funding and support challenges.
• Tasmania broadens pharmacists' prescribing powers and cross-state prescription access.
• Bulk-billing incentives increase, risking practice viability and patient choice.
• Optometrists seek approval for oral medication prescribing, sparking professional debate.
• Australia’s digital health systems remain fragmented, hindering care delivery.